Clemson notebook: Big night for former Cavaliers

Saturday

Nov 3, 2012 at 12:01 AMNov 4, 2012 at 12:53 AM

Dorman products fare well as Peake hauls in TD for Clemson and Canty comes down with interception for Duke.

By ERIC BOYNTON eric.boynton@shj.com

DURHAM, N.C. — There were impressive doings by Dorman products on both teams during Clemson’s 56-20 victory at Duke Saturday, with former high school teammates doing battle at multiple positions.Five former Cavaliers in all saw action, with Clemson receiver Charone Peake posting his second consecutive game with a touchdown catch (the first two of his career) and fifth outing this season with multiple receptions (two for 23 yards).The sophomore closed out the scoring with a 12-yard catch from Cole Stoudt early in the fourth quarter.“I got that monkey off my back last week and now I’m feeling more comfortable out there in going to get the ball,” Peake said. “Overall we just proved what our offense was capable of.”Dorman’s Adam Humphries had his sixth game with at least two catches with a pair for 14 yards, returned four punts for 26 yards, but didn’t get in on defense. His former high school teammate, Duke senior safety Walt Canty, forced two turnovers in the second quarter with a forced fumble and his first interception of the season. Canty added nine tackles to push his team lead to 89 after entering the game second in the ACC.“I had to block Walt once and he’s as strong as ever,” Peake said.Clemson left tackle Brandon Thomas and snapper Mike Sobeski, also Dorman grads, also played.“(Peake) is a really good player and he’s still young,” Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd said. “It just has to come along for him and keep building. He’s been working really hard in practice and making some amazing plays, and we just need to keep getting him in there and keep getting him the ball.”Duke coach David Cutcliffe gave kudos to Canty as a leader after the game.“We’ve got great people and the (seniors) need to be a part of finishing strong,” he said. “Walt Canty did a great job in the locker room just a few minutes (after the game). This is important to everybody here. This isn’t just about this team, but about our program.”FIRST-HALF FIREWORKS: Clemson compiled a school record 487 first-half yards to best the previous high of 393 in 1981 against Wake Forest. The 42 points were second most in a half this season, behind the 45 at the break against Ball State.Quarterback Tajh Boyd tied Woody Dantzler (2001 against North Carolina State) with six touchdown responsibilities (five passing, one rushing) in a half. Boyd’s 388 yards of total offense crushed Danztler’s previous one-half record of 288, and Boyd also established a school record with 73 total touchdowns.NUK ATTACK: Clemson receiver DeAndre “Nuk” Hopkins continued his assault on the Clemson record books as he tied school records with three touchdown receptions in a quarter and in a game, catching all three in just the opening 7:47.The junior became Clemson’s career leader and single-season record-holder for touchdown catches with 13 on the season (passing Sammy Watkins’ 12 last year) and 22 all-time (passing Aaron Kelly’s 20). Hopkins surpassed 1,000 receiving yards on the season and moved ahead of Perry Tuttle into third all-time with 2,652 and trails only his uncle, Terry Smith (2,681) and Kelly’s 2,733.“My goal is only to win a championship and yards and self-goals are just secondary,” Hopkins said. “I credit Tajh and the line, it’s not just me.”EVERYBODY ALL IN: Boyd never minds going to the bench with a big lead because he understands what it means to have the second-teamers get their shot.“I love seeing those guys get in the game,” Boyd said. “It’s one of those deals where those guys all put in their hard work over the summer together as a group and any time we get the opportunity, whether it’s halftime or whatever, we want them in the game to continue building depth.”INJURY UPDATE: Tailback Andre Ellington (hamstring) came out after just one carry for 26 yards. He was held out simply as a precaution and expected to be fine. Tight end Brandon Ford left with an abdominal injury but also is expected to be OK.